Pre-calibrated replaceable sensor module for a breath alcohol testing device

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes a replaceable breath alcohol sensor module that can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module or re-calibrated. The breath alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of a Breath Alcohol Testing Device (commonly called “breathalyser” or “breathalyzer”). The breath alcohol sensor module can be separately calibrated for accurate calculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC) based on breath air samples and then re-installed into the breath alcohol tester or the old breath alcohol sensor module can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module. The present invention improves upon and/or replacing the current method of re-calibration at a breathalyzer service center.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/955,628 filed Nov. 29, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/528,979 filed Sep. 27, 2006, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/776,127 filed Feb.22, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pre-calibrated (orpre-calibrate-able), replaceable breath alcohol sensor module for usewith a Breath Alcohol Testing Device. More specifically, this inventiondescribes a breath alcohol sensor module that can be removed from thebody of a breathalyzer and separately calibrated for the accuratecalculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC) based onbreath air samples, and then re-installed into the breath alcoholtester.

RELATED ART

The Breath Alcohol Testing Device is also commonly called a“breathalyser” or a “breathalyzer” (hereinafter breathalyzer), andincludes both portable (PBT or Portable Breath Tester) and stationary(coin-operated or similar) units.

The availability and accessibility of the breathalyzer for bothprofessional use (as in clinical, industrial, healthcare or workplacesettings) and personal use (as in the domain of general consumers) hasbeen expanding greatly, and with this expansion the necessity for allbreathalyzers to be periodically recalibrated has created manyinterruptions in the market, as breathalyzers must currently be mailedor delivered to select service center locations where calibration can bedone using a simulation system, making the breathalyzer unavailable tothe user during this calibration period, and increasingly overwhelmingthe service centers as the market grows. The present invention remediesthis situation by providing a method to calibrate (or re-calibrate) thebreathalyzer that greatly reduces or even eliminates the time and costinvolved in shipping and handling of breathalyzers and maintenance ofservice centers, as well as the time and utility lost by the end user.

A typical breathalyzer consists primarily of an alcohol sensorcomponent, signal processing unit (or CPU), and a display unit to showresults. Typically, a breath alcohol sensor is calibrated to matchselect calibration points using standard specifications (controlledalcohol mixtures), and the signal processing unit (or CPU) determines %BAC based on linear calculation using the calibration points. Over time(generally after several hundred tests), every breath alcohol sensorwill require re-calibration as undesirable residue and foreignsubstances including, but not limited to, saliva, cigarette smokeresidue and food particles, become trapped inside the sensor. Thecurrent system of calibration (or re-calibration) of breathalyzers byservice centers takes place when a consumer or end user, with abreathalyzer in need of calibration, contacts a breathalyzer retailer(See FIG. 1). The retailer, in turn, directs the end user to ship thebreathalyzer to an appropriate service center location. Upon receivingthe breathalyzer, the service center uses controlled alcohol mixtures inorder to re-calibrate the device according to standard specifications.When this re-calibration is complete, the breathalyzer is shipped backto the end user. This procedure for re-calibration is time-consuming andcostly in terms of shipping and handling of packages, labor hours andlost utility for the end user. There are currently over 100 retailers(online and offline) and/or distributors sell breathalyzer units toconsumers and end users, whereas fewer than ten (10) service centerlocations exist to perform traditional breathalyzer re-calibrations. Dueto this discrepancy, the overall increase in sales of breathalyzer unitsare overwhelming the service centers with requests for re-calibration(which are both necessary and periodic for each breathalyzer), causingever increasing delays in the processing and delivery of breathalyzers.Another issue resulting from the current system of re-calibration isthat the sensor is not actually replaced, and residue buildup cannot becleaned or removed from the sensor. This results in an increasingdeterioration in overall sensor performance as residue accumulates overtime, even as the sensor is re-calibrated multiple times.

In order to alleviate the time and utility lost when sending abreathalyzer for re-calibration, some end users purchase multiplebreathalyzers so that at least one breathalyzer is available for usewhile one or more other devices are undergoing service forre-calibration. Some end users cannot afford the increase in budget inorder to implement this type of stopgap measure, so compromises are madeeither in terms of temporary suspension of breath alcohol tests orover-taxing breathalyzer units beyond the point of necessaryre-calibration (thereby allowing the breathalyzer to displayincreasingly inaccurate readings). In many cases, end users elect not touse breathalyzers altogether primarily due to the complications ofre-calibration. Re-calibration, though an absolute necessity in thebreathalyzer market, is one of the main impediments to rapid expansionof the market, especially in workplace, clinical or other professionalenvironments where both accuracy and continuous utility are required.

Accordingly, the present invention proceeds upon the desirability ofproviding significant benefits for both the breathalyzer service centersand the end users by practically eliminating the loss of time andutility for end users and reducing the number of labor hours andshipping costs for service centers, all while introducing an effectivesolution at a cost no greater than the current service center system.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide asignificantly improved replacement for the traditional method ofbreathalyzer re-calibration that supports market security by reducing oreliminating the time and utility lost by the end user and that alsoexpands the market by addressing the specific needs of industrial orclinical breathalyzer applications. The present invention comprises apre-calibrated (or pre-calibrate-able) breath alcohol sensor module,which includes both an alcohol sensor and a non-volatile memory unit tostore calibration information. The pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensormodule of the present invention is useable by distributors, retailers,sellers, buyers and end users to replace or eliminate traditionalmethods of breathalyzer re-calibration with a much more effective andefficient solution at a cost no greater and often less than any currentmethod of re-calibration.

The breath alcohol sensor module of the present invention can be removedfrom the body of a breathalyzer and separately calibrated for theaccurate calculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC)based on breath air samples, and then re-installed into the breathalcohol tester. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, the sensor module comprises a breath alcohol sensoras well as a non-volatile memory unit (such as EEPROM, Flash drive,NAND) to store calibration information, both of which are required tomaintain an accurately calibrated state for the sensor. The presentinvention brings significant benefits the breathalyzer industry bygiving consumers and/or other end users a better solution forre-calibrating the breathalyzer.

The present invention essentially eliminates the loss of time andutility for end users and reduces the number of labor hours and shippingcosts for breathalyzer service centers. The present invention bringsthese significant benefits and solution to both end users andbreathalyzer service centers at a cost that is no greater than thecurrent service center system. The pre-calibrated, replaceable alcoholsensor modules of the present invention enables the end users topurchase new sensor modules when the need arises at a cost no more than(and often less than) the cost for re-calibration service (See FIG. 2).New or pre-calibrated sensor modules of the present invention ship withsimple instructions for the end user to follow in order to manuallyreplace the old sensor module requiring calibration. Because the sensormodules are pre-calibrated, shipment to the end user is immediate andwithout delay. The end users can purchase sensor modules simultaneouslywith the purchase of a breathalyzer or prior to the time that the oldsensor requires re-calibration. The process of re-calibration with thesensor module of the present invention is simpler and faster than thecurrent calibration system of utilizing a breathalyzer service centersince the end user only needs to spend a few seconds swapping the oldsensor module with a new sensor module in order to return thebreathalyzer to its full functional use without delay (See FIG. 3).

The present invention addresses all known and future breathalyzers (orother breath alcohol testing devices) because the replaceable sensormodule can be made compatible with current and future breathalyzers (orother breath alcohol testing devices). In accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, the replaceable sensor module can be appliedwith minimal modification to various other portable electronic devices,as long as such devices contain a display capable of showing % BACreadings (e.g. digital LED display), such as portable radar detectors,portable GPS devices, mobile phones, electronic key/keychain devices,etc.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, abreathalyzer user (general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzercompatible with the present invention) can purchase or otherwise acquirea new sensor module in order to replace the old sensor module at minimalcost and time lost for all parties involved when the breathalyzer'ssensor requires re-calibration.

The traditional re-calibration system and procedure involves multipletransactions and/or communications among several entities. Typically anend user (general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzer)contacts the retailer from which the breathalyzer was purchased in orderto report that the breathalyzer is in need of re-calibration. Currently,the large majority of all breathalyzer retailers are unable to performre-calibration themselves, so either the retailer accepts breathalyzersrequiring re-calibration from end users and ships them in bulk to abreathalyzer service center, or the retailer directs the end user toship the breathalyzer requiring re-calibration directly to the servicecenter. When the service center receives breathalyzers requiringre-calibration, detailed records of receipts, shipments, customer andretailer (vendor) data must be kept and maintained in order to minimizeerrors in processing and shipping the re-calibrated breathalyzer.Further, any problems that may arise are complicated to resolve, asthese problems involve several parties that are not current with thespecific situation of the end user (e.g. a single re-calibration mayinvolve a retailer, distributor, service center and end user). With themultiple communications, transactions, record-keeping, processing andshipping that may be involved with each re-calibration, a steadyincrease in delays, costs and other problems can be seen in thebreathalyzer market, because re-calibrations are unavoidable andperiodically necessary.

The present invention eliminates many of these aforementioned problemsassociated with the current re-calibration system and methodology byremoving entirely the need for record-keeping, processing and shippingof pre-calibrated breathalyzers beyond the common retail practice ofstocking the replaceable sensor modules by the retailers and/ordistributors. Delays, costs and problems associated with the currentre-calibration system can be greatly reduced and even eliminated withthe present invention. All breathalyzer service centers operateprimarily as either breathalyzer distributors or retailers, and theservice center portion of business does not generally generatesignificant income for these distributors or retailers, often creating aloss in profit. The present invention seeks to either greatly reduce thestrain on the operation of these service centers or eliminate the needfor service centers altogether. In addition, by streamlining thetransactions between distributors, retailers and end users intoeffectively “retail only” market channels, the breathalyzer market canbe made more efficient and ready for uninterrupted growth.Pre-calibrated replaceable sensor modules of the present invention willbe made available to all parties involved in the breathalyzertransactions, thereby requiring only a single transaction (sale) with asingle party for the end user to re-calibrate a breathalyzer, in mostcases.

It is a further object of the present invention to afford simple,straightforward instructions for the handling, installation and removalof pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor modules to thegeneral consumer so that these operations can be performed with ease.

It is yet another object of the present invention to afford additionalbreath alcohol sensing functionality to a wide array of other portableelectronic devices that include a method of display capable of showing %BAC readings (e.g. digital LED display). With minimal modification, thepresent invention can be incorporated into such portable electronicdevices as portable radar detectors, portable GPS devices, mobilephones, electronic key/keychain devices, etc.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, andthe novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The following detailed descriptions, given by way of example, and notintended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will be best beunderstood in conjunction with the accompanying figures:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcoholsensor module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the primary circuitry of the sensormodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcoholsensor module attached to a breath sampling tube in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a breathalyzer unit incorporating thepre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the current breathalyzerre-calibration process involving breathalyzer service centers;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating the new breathalyzerre-calibration process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8A-8K depict the pre-calibrated alcohol sensor module installationprocess in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are diagrams of a pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensormodule as incorporated in a coin-operated breathalyzer in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIGS. 10A-10C are diagrams of a pre-calibrated replaceable alcoholsensor module as incorporated in a car ignition breathalyzer inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and

FIGS. 11A-11C are diagrams of a pre-calibrated replaceable alcoholsensor module as incorporated in a key-chain breathalyzer in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In order to eliminate the aforementioned problems with currentrecalibration methods, the sensor module 60 of the present invention ismade compatible with a wide assortment of breathalyzers 100, as shown inFIG. 4. Breathalyzers 100 can be newly manufactured, or modified, withan easily accessible compartment 110 for both the installation andremoval of the pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module 60 of thepresent invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, the accessible compartment 110 comprises a system toattach and secure the sensor module to the body of the breathalyzer 100(e.g. attachment slots or fasteners 120), an interface 40 toelectronically link the breathalyzer 100 to the adapter 30 of the sensormodule 60, and a cover or faceplate 50 to enclose the sensor module 60once it is secured within the body of the breathalyzer 100. In addition,a breath sampling tube 20 can be attached to the sensor module 60, asshown in FIG. 3, in order for the breath alcohol sensor 11 to functionproperly. As a matter of compatibility and convenience, the presentinvention describes the sensor module 60 and the breath sampling tube 20as separate components, because of the inevitable variation in breathsampling tubes 20 across various types of breathalyzer 100. However,“pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module” or “sensormodule” 60 may refer to the present invention with or without theattached breath sampling tube 20.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are illustrated a sensor module 60in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 2, the sensor module 60 comprises a printed circuit board(PCB) 10, a non-volatile memory unit 15 (located centrally on the PCB10), an adapter 30 (located beneath the memory unit 15), a heating unit13 and a breath alcohol sensor 11 (located opposite the memory unit andadapter in FIG. 1).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thecircuitry of the sensor module 60 is operable to detect changes inconductivity according to varying levels of alcohol concentration. Theheating unit 13 of the sensor module 60 is operable to warm up thebreath alcohol sensor 11 to a pre-determined temperature. Thenon-volatile memory unit 15 stores calibration data, and the adapter 30communicates data and readings to the breathalyzer 100.

Returning to FIG. 2, signals from the sensor module 60 to thebreathalyzer's processor or signal processing unit (not shown) through apin 3 and the calibration data from the non-volatile memory 15 is sentthrough pins 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the cable 40 connects thebreathalyzer 100 to the adapter 30 of the sensor module 21. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thesensor module 60 (comprising the breath sampling tube 20) includes allcomponents of a breathalyzer 100 that may suffer from residue build-upand other problems requiring re-calibration. This advantageously enablesthe present invention to provide a breathalyzer 100 that is as accurateas and functionally equivalent to a “new” breathalyzer 100 by simplyreplacing the sensor module 60 of the present invention.

The non-volatile memory 15 includes various other pins, such as pin 7labeled as “W/P,” which means “write-protect,” to prevent thenon-volatile memory 15 from losing the calibration data.

The primary cause for breathalyzer inaccuracy is sensor pollution, whichrefers to the build-up of sensor contaminants such as saliva, cigarettesmoke, food particles, etc. This build-up of contaminants does not onlycause sensor inaccuracy, but also reduces the overall lifetime of thesensor 11, because the residue cannot simply be removed. This means thateven if the sensor is re-calibrated or adjusted, it can never be asefficient or accurate as a new sensor 11. The buildup of contaminantswithin the breath sampling tube 20 can also affect functionality andaccuracy of the breath alcohol sensor 11, but to a lesser extent thansensor pollution.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thesensor module 70 comprises a breath sampling tube 20 attached therein,as shown in FIG. 3. This “complete” module 70 replaces any and allcomponents of a breathalyzer 100 that is subject to contaminantbuild-up. The breath sampling tube 20 is attached directly above thebreath alcohol sensor 11, so that the sensor can process alcoholreadings from a breath sample.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the breath sampling tube 20 consists of a longcylindrical tube 21 for the blown air to travel through, a mouthpieceslot 27, and a bent or curved section 25 to direct air toward the breathalcohol sensor 11.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 4 shows how the pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensormodule 70 (with the attached breath sampling tube 20) is installed intoa compatible breathalyzer 100. For example, the breath sampling tube 20comprises an attachment slot 29 and the breathalyzer 100 comprises anattachment slot 120 to secure the sensor module 70 in the accessiblecompartment 110 of the breathalyzer 100. A cable 40 electronically linksthe sensor module 70 with the breathalyzer's signal processing unit (notshown). The attachment slots 29, 120 can be secured using screws, pinsor other known fastening means. The breathalyzer 100 also comprises acover 50 for enclosing the sensor module 70 after installation tomaintain a consistent exterior appearance of the breathalyzer 100.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart describing the current state of the breathalyzerre-calibration procedure. Typically, the user purchases the breathalyzer100 for work (e.g., a police officer can use it for sobriety testing),clinical studies, personal use, etc. After many repeated uses in step500, the breathalyzer 100 generally requires re-calibration due toresidue build-up and/or other problems discussed herein. In step 510, aninquiry is made to determine if the breathalyzer 100 is requiresre-calibration. If the inquiry in step 510 is answered in the negative,the breathalyzer 100 can be used to calculate or measure % BAC in step500.

However, if the inquiry in step 510 is answered in the affirmative, theuser contacts the retailer in step 520 and the retailer directs the userto an appropriate service center in step 530. The user ships thebreathalyzer 100 to the service center in step 540.

Upon receipt of the breathalyzer 100, the service center calibrates thebreathalyzer, e.g., using the simulation system, in step 550, and shipsthe re-calibrated breathalyzer back to the user in step 560, therebyenabling the user to return to step 500 and use the breathalyzer 100 tocalculate or measure % BAC.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart describing the breathalyzer re-calibrationprocedure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the user purchases the new pre-calibrated sensormodule 60 or 70 only if it is needed. After many repeated uses of thebreathalyzer 100 to calculate or measure % BAC in step 600, thebreathalyzer 100 generally requires re-calibration due to residuebuild-up and/or other problems discussed herein. Typically, thebreathalyzer 100 requires re-calibration after being used for 200-300times (varying depend on the factors noted herein). Alternatively, thebreath alcohol sensor module 60, 70 or the signal processing unit of thebreathalyzer 100 can perform tests periodically or upon request by theoperator (i.e., pressing a button on the housing of the breathalyzer100) to determine if the breath alcohol sensor 11 requiresre-calibration. In step 610, an inquiry is made to determine if thebreathalyzer 100 requires re-calibration. If the inquiry in step 610 isanswered in the negative, the breathalyzer 100 can be used to calculateor measure % BAC in step 600.

However, if the inquiry in step 610 is answered in the affirmative, theuser purchases pre-calibrated sensor module 60 or 70 of the presentinvention in step 620. Alternatively, the user can purchase thepre-calibrated sensor module 60 or 70 over the phone or internet in step620 and the retailer ships a new pre-calibrated sensor module 60 or 70to the user in step 630. The user installs the new pre-calibrated sensormodule 60 or 70 in the breathalyzer 100 in step 640, thereby enablingthe user to return to step 600 and use the breathalyzer 100 to calculateor measure % BAC.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing the breathalyzer re-calibrationprocedure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the user purchases the breathalyzer 100 and additionalnew pre-calibrated sensor module(s) 60 or 70. After many repeated use ofthe breathalyzer 100 to calculate or measure % BAC in step 700, thebreathalyzer 100 generally requires re-calibration due to residuebuild-up and/or other problems discussed herein. In step 710, an inquiryis made to determine if the breathalyzer 100 requires re-calibration. Ifthe inquiry in step 710 is answered in the negative, the breathalyzer100 can be used to calculate or measure % BAC in step 700.

However, if the inquiry in step 710 is answered in the affirmative, theuser installs the new pre-calibrated sensor module 60 or 70 in thebreathalyzer 100 in step 720, thereby enabling the user to return tostep 700 and use the breathalyzer 100 to calculate or measure % BAC.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIGS. 8A-K depict how a user can install a pre-calibrated alcohol sensormodule 60 of the present invention. The user prepares to install apre-calibrated alcohol sensor module 60 in a breathalyzer 100 in FIG.8A. The user can use a flat, sharp tool to carefully open the top cover50 of the breathalyzer 100 in FIG. 8B, and lifts the breath samplingtube 20 to access the alcohol sensor module 60 in FIG. 8C. Next, theuser removes the breath sampling tube 20 which should remove easily inFIG. 8D, and then carefully raises the alcohol sensor module 60 from thebody of the breathalyzer 100, taking care not to detach the cable 40from the body of the breathalyzer 100 in FIG. 8E. The cable 40 isremoved from the adapter or slot 30 underneath the alcohol sensor module60 in FIG. 8F and a new pre-calibrated alcohol sensor module 60 isprepared for insertion in FIG. 8G. The cable 40 is inserted into the newalcohol sensor module 60 in FIG. 8H and the alcohol sensor module 60 isplaced in its original position in FIG. 8I. The breath sampling tube 20is then reattached directly on to the alcohol sensor module 60 in FIG.8J and the cover 50 is reattached onto the top of the body of thebreathalyzer 100 in FIG. 8K.

The present invention, having been described, will make apparent tothose skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many wayswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any andall such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe following claims. For example, FIG. 4 shows distinct and definedlocations for components such as attachment slots 29, 120 and cover 50,but as breathalyzers 100 are manufactured in many different styles andshapes, only one example of how the pre-calibrated sensor module 60 or70 of the present invention is installed in a particular breathalyzer(or the fitment of the pre-calibrated sensor module 60 or 70 to aparticular breathalyzer) is shown for simplicity. It is appreciated thatthe present invention is not limited to the breathalyzer 100 examplegiven in FIG. 4, either in terms of fitment, attachment methods orspecific installation/removal procedures. Other types of breathalyzersinclude, for example, portable breathalyzers, coin-operated commercialunits (FIGS. 9A-9D), key-chain breathalyzers (FIGS. 11A-11C) and carignition breathalyzers (FIG. 10A-10C). The replaceable breath alcoholsensor module 60, 70 of the present invention is intended for use in allsuch varieties of breathalyzers.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module,comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB); a breath alcohol sensorconfigured to receive a breath air sample and to measure blood alcoholconcentration (BAC) based on analysis of the breath air sample; anon-volatile memory unit for storing pre-calibrated data of the breathalcohol sensor module; and an electronic circuitry mounted on the PCBand operable to transmit measured BAC from the breath alcohol sensor toa signal processing unit of the breathalyzer and operable to transmitthe pre-calibrated data of the breath alcohol sensor module from thenon-volatile memory unit to the signal processing unit of thebreathalyzer to provide measurement of the breath air sample; andwherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module isinstallable in the breathalyzer to replace existing pre-calibratedreplaceable alcohol sensor module in the breathalyzer after being usedfor a predetermined number of times.
 24. The replaceable module of claim23, wherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module isinstallable in the breathalyzer to replace existing pre-calibratedreplaceable alcohol sensor module in the breathalyzer after being usedfor a predetermined number of times.
 25. The replaceable module of claim23, wherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor moduleremovably connects to the breathalyzer.
 26. The replaceable module ofclaim 25, further comprising an adapter for removably connecting thepre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module to the breathalyzer.27. The replaceable module of claim 23, wherein the pre-calibratedreplaceable alcohol sensor module is installable in the breathalyzer toreplace existing pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module in thebreathalyzer providing an inaccurate reading.
 28. The replaceable moduleof claim 23, wherein the breathalyzer is one of the following: aportable breathalyzer, a coin-operated breathalyzer, a key-chainbreathalyzer or a car ignition breathalyzer.
 29. The replaceable moduleof claim 23, wherein the breathalyzer comprises a compartment to housethe pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module and a cover toenclose the pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module within thebreathalyzer.
 30. The replaceable module of claim 23, further comprisinga heating unit to warm up the breath alcohol sensor to a predeterminedtemperature.
 31. The replaceable module of claim 23, wherein the breathalcohol sensor is operable to detect changes in conductivity accordingto varying levels of alcohol concentration in the breath air sample. 32.A breathalyzer, comprising: a signal processing unit; a breath samplingtube; a pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module comprising: aprinted circuit board (PCB); a breath alcohol sensor configured toreceive a breath air sample and to measure blood alcohol concentration(BAC) based on analysis of the breath air sample; a non-volatile memoryunit for storing pre-calibrated data of the breath alcohol sensormodule; and an electronic circuitry mounted on the PCB and operable totransmit measured BAC from the breath alcohol sensor to the signalprocessing unit of the breathalyzer and operable to transmit thepre-calibrated data of the breath alcohol sensor module from thenon-volatile memory unit to the signal processing unit of thebreathalyzer to provide measurement of the breath air sample; aninterface to electronically connect the pre-calibrated replaceablealcohol sensor module to the signal processing unit; a display fordisplaying the BAC to a user; and a housing to house the signalprocessing unit, the pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module,the display and the interface.
 33. The breathalyzer of claim 32, whereinthe pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module is replaceable withanother pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module.
 34. Thebreathalyzer of claim 32, wherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcoholsensor module is replaceable with another pre-calibrated replaceablealcohol sensor module after being used for a pre-determined number oftimes.
 35. The breathalyzer of claim 32, wherein the breathalyzer is oneof the following: a portable breathalyzer, a coin-operated breathalyzer,a key-chain breathalyzer or a car ignition breathalyzer.
 36. Thebreathalyzer of claim 32, wherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcoholsensor module providing an inaccurate reading is replaceable withanother pre-calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module.
 37. Thebreathalyzer of claim 32, wherein the pre-calibrated replaceable alcoholsensor module comprises a heating unit to warm up the breath alcoholsensor to a predetermined temperature.
 38. The breathalyzer of claim 32,wherein the breath alcohol sensor of the pre-calibrated replaceablealcohol sensor module is operable to detect changes in conductivityaccording to varying levels of alcohol concentration in the breath airsample.
 39. A method of maintaining a breathalyzer having apre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module in a calibratedstate, comprising the steps of: determining if the pre-calibratedreplaceable breath alcohol sensor module requires replacement, thepre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module comprising: aprinted circuit board (PCB); a breath alcohol sensor configured toreceive a breath air sample and to measure blood alcohol concentration(BAC) based on analysis of the breath air sample; a non-volatile memoryunit for storing pre-calibrated data of the breath alcohol sensormodule; and an electronic circuitry mounted on the PCB and operable totransmit measured BAC from the breath alcohol sensor to a signalprocessing unit of the breathalyzer and operable to transmit thepre-calibrated data of the breath alcohol sensor module from thenon-volatile memory unit to the signal processing unit of thebreathalyzer to provide measurement of the breath air sample; andreplacing the pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor modulewith another pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module.40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of replacing comprises thestep of replacing the pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensormodule with another pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensormodule after being used for a pre-determined number of times.
 41. Themethod of claim 39, wherein the step of replacing comprises the stepsof: disconnecting the pre-calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensormodule from the breathalyzer; and connecting said other pre-calibratedreplaceable breath alcohol sensor module to the breathalyzer.